December 9, 2008

Although it took a couple of countdowns, the tree at Willow Glen Elementary School lit up Lincoln and Minnesota Avenues on Thursday, Dec. 4 signifying the official start of the holiday season. This year, when school officials checked the lights, they went on the first time so there was no expense in restringing them. During the program, the Willow Glen Elementary School choir sang several songs to ring in the holiday season. Musicians from Willow Glen Middle and High School bands entertained the large crowd as did the Estudiotina Chorus from River Glen School and choirs from Willow Glen Middle and High Schools. Eight-year old Esperanza Martinez sat on Santa's (Cambrian Park Kiwanis Club member Dave Littau) lap for a photo. The young lady, who didn't tell what she asked for, is a second grader at Willow Glen Elementary. Photos by Carol Rosen

Lights, Camera, Action

Greeting the holidays in Willow Glen

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Thursday, Dec. 4, the tree lights almost didn’t come on in Willow Glen, but finally shone brightly in front of the school. Although some of the holiday activities had already begun, the night marked the official start of the holiday season.

As is the custom, the evening began at Willow Glen Elementary School with the annual Book Fair at 5:30, followed by an appearance by Santa and the program, which included singing and musical presentations from local schools.

Among the other activities on the Avenue this year is a class at the Willow Glen Library on each Thursday this month. The children’s librarian, Michele, will present a holiday craft workshop for children age 5 and up. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Phone the library at (408) 808-3045 to save a spot.

There will be a special Art as Gifts sale on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at 1140 Lincoln Ave. next to Powell’s Sweet Shoppe. Creative local artists will display homemade and one of a kind items such as paintings, knit items, jewelry, ceramics, T-shirts, art cards, recycled material art items, purses, quilts and more.

The first Saturday in December, Father Christmas will appear at Le Boulanger at 1351 Lincoln Ave. at 11:30 a.m. to read holiday stories to children who can listen while snacking on hot cocoa and cookies provided by the bakery.

He also will appear at Dec. 6 and 7 and Dec. 13 at Treehouse in the Glen offering multi-cultural stories with puppet shows from around the world. Treehouse in the Glen is located at 1275 Lincoln Ave. Father Christmas will appear at 12:30 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6; 3:30 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 7; and 11 a.m. on Dec. 13; and 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. The event is free.

Cucina Bambini is offering various holiday cooking classes for children on Tuesdays. Classes include cookie decorating, gingerbread and building gingerbread houses. For more information, contact the store at (408) 564-7773. Prices vary; the store is located at 1041 Lincoln Ave.

Spa R&R is hosting a holiday open house on Dec. 7 at noon. The Holiday Open House will include wine from Clos LaChance Winery as well as finger foods and imported cheese as well as a raffle and fabulous prizes. This year, the spa, which typically does community services for those less fortunate throughout the year, will be collecting pot pies to donate to Martha’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that serves food to those less fortunate. RSVP at (408) 297-4899, Spa R&R is located at 1345 Lincoln Ave.

Returning this year by popular demand are the horse and carriage rides. The 20-minute rides start on Lincoln Avenue and continue throughout the historic Willow Glen neighborhood including through downtown and by some extraordinary decorated homes.

Rides will continue rain or shine. Rides leave from the Bergman Building on Lincoln Avenue every 20 minutes from 5 through 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December up until Christmas. Each ride reserves a private carriage for your group (four adults maximum - children on laps free - maximum 600 pounds). Carriages cost $65 on December 5-7, $75 on December 12-14, and $100 on December 19-21. All sales are final.

To find out about more events, visit the downtown Willow Glen Web site at www.willowglen.org or call the Business Association at (408) 298-2100.